Newspaper & Mailroom
Stonebridge Press Launches New Directory-Based Websites
Monday 07. April 2008 - Sites Link to Online Newspapers; Offer Free Local Business Listings
Stonebridge Press Newspapers, publishers of the weekly Villager newspapers in Northeast Connecticut, the daily Southbridge Evening News, and six weekly newspapers in south central Massachusetts, as well as 11 community newspapers in New Hampshire, has launched new comprehensive local news and business directory-based websites.
Each site features thousands of local business listings in more than 300 categories targeting those who live, work or vacation in and around the communities served by the newspapers.
Four Portals Provide Access to Websites
Unlike traditional Web sites, these sites offer free business listings so users are assured a complete list of local and area vendors. Those who log on can refine their search by plugging in a ZIP code and setting a mileage radius.
“As far as we know, we’re the only company to take this approach,” said Frank Chilinski, president and publisher of Stonebridge Press and Villager Newspapers. “Many Web sites require businesses to buy their way into directories, which often leaves no businesses listed under specific categories, or include businesses well outside the trade area. We offer all businesses a free listing, but with a chance to enhance their listings and buy everything from detailed descriptions of their business, to links to their websites, or even a custom website created for them. These add-on services can be purchased for as little as $12 a year. We want to make this something that everyone can afford. We also wanted to keep it simple and very local, so that everyone can use it and navigate through it, regardless of how internet-savvy they may be or not be.”
All Print Newspaper Content Included on Sites
In addition to the comprehensive business directories, all newspapers appear in a PDF format — a miniature version of the printed paper. One hundred percent of the print copy is on line including all display ads.
“These sites are unique because they give residents of a community an entirely local website. I’m always hearing about readers trying to search for a local pizza place on the Internet and accidentally winding up in Italy! Here they can read all local news cover to cover, order photos online, and find local business and services from a source they already trust,” said Chilinski. “Our job is just to do what we do best and what we’ve done for a long time, publish local newspapers and do our best to make them successful, and in 2008 that includes an enhanced Internet presence.”